Cyberattack Disrupts Check-in Systems at Major European Airports, Causing Delays
LONDON – technical issues stemming from a cyberattack on a third-party provider are causing disruptions to check-in adn boarding systems at multiple European airports, including London Heathrow, on Friday. Passengers are facing potential delays as airlines scramble to mitigate the impact of the outage.
The attack highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and underscores the interconnectedness of the aviation industry. While the full extent of the disruption and the number of airports affected remain unclear, the incident raises concerns about potential cascading effects on travel across the continent. Authorities are working to restore systems and investigate the source of the attack, with initial reports indicating a focus on providers supporting airline operations.
Heathrow Airport confirmed the issue, stating a third-party provider experienced a technical problem with check-in and boarding systems for several airlines. The airport is working with the provider to resolve the issue “as quickly as possible.” It is currently unknown which other European airports are impacted.
The incident follows a series of recent cyberattacks targeting European institutions, including a recent attack on Berlin’s judiciary and reported cyberspionage attempts against Berlin’s justice senator, attributed to Iranian-linked hackers known as “Charming Kitten.” These attacks have prompted increased scrutiny of IT security measures and calls for greater preparedness across critical sectors.
(with dpa)